Cape Banks Walk

This walk combines fine coastal views with two points of historical interest. From the start of this walk, the sidetrip to the coastal cemetery is short and gives a glimpse into lives of past generations. The World War II bunker is worth having a look around as you pass directly by it. Spend some time exploring the exposed headland that is Cape Banks. Look for old historical structures and the shipwreck of the SS Minmi on the western side of Cape Banks. If you’re lucky, you could even see migrating whales on this classic Sydney coastal walk.

then continues to follow the level trail[7] for another 110m, to come to a large 3-way intersection[8] near the Coastal Cemetery[9] (on the right).

Coast Hospital Cemetery

The Coast Hospital Cemetery on the northern side of Botany Bay was first established in the early 1880’s and is now home to as many as 2000 graves. It serviced the Coast (Prince Henry) Hospital, originally a smallpox hospital. People who died of smallpox were required to be buried at the hospital grounds. The hospital was built far enough from the city to provide quarantine and for this reason, the hospital in time became an infectious diseases hospital, also treating patients with influenza, bubonic plague, typhoid fever and leprosy. Unfortunately, the cemetery has at times fallen into disrepair and some of the headstones are difficult to read. Many of the graves are unmarked.
On the eastern edge of the cemetery is an information sign[11] explaining that in the area are also buried the ancestral remains of the La Perouse Aboriginal people returned from museums.
A place steeped in history and worthy of respect.

(0km) Int of Pistol Club Rd AND Coastal Cemetery Management Trail → Southern End of Pistol Club Rd

320 m

5 mins

1m

-2m

Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection[12] (which is found about 1km past the ‘helicopter sign’ off Henry Head Rd), this walk follows the road[13] gently uphill for about 140m, to come to views of the coastal cemetery[14] (on the left). Then this walk continues to follow the road gently downhill for about 200m, until coming to a locked gate[15] and ‘Botany Bay National Park’ sign[16].

(0.32km) Southern End of Cape Banks Rd → Old toilet bock int.

40 m

1 mins

0m

-2m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the car park at the southern end of Cape Banks Rd, La Perouse[17], this walk follows a management trail, passing around a locked gate[18]

to then pass the ‘Botany Bay National Park’ sign[19] after about 10m. Then this walk continues to follow the asphalt trail beside the ‘Westpac Helicopter’ shed (on the right) for about 30m, to come to a 3-way intersection marked with an NPWS arrow post[20], just past a concrete building[21].

(0.42km) World War Two Bunker → Int of Cape Banks Management & Pistol Club Trail

110 m

2 mins

4m

-2m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the World War Two Bunker[29], this walk follows a management trail away from the ‘Westpac Helicopter’ sign and shed[30], keeping the metal ring fence to the right[31]. The walk follows the trail for about 20m, then turns left at a three-way intersection to head up a gentle hill. After about 35m, the trail starts to descend steeply to a three-way intersection[32] (and views of the water).

(0.53km) Lifejacket intersection → Cape Banks bridge int.

390 m

8 mins

4m

-18m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads gently downhill along the grassy management trail keeping the ocean to the left[33]. After about 30m the trail descends steeply down a rough[34] 30m section

, then leads more gently downhill for 100m before leading down another very steep and rough section of trail[35] mostly flattening out near the apex of a large cleft in the sea cliff[36]. Here the trail continues more gently downhill for another 160m towards the golf course and ocean, passing a large rock platform[37] (on the left) coming to concrete footpath marked with two ‘Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve’ signs[38] just after the ‘Cape Bank’ map signpost[39]. Be mindful of golfers and golf balls.

, for about 20m to then cross over[42] to the island on the 20m long (1.1m wide) metal foot bridge[43]. Then this walk continues over the rocky track[44] to come beside the golf tee-off green[45] (on the right).

Cape Banks

Cape Banks on the northern side of the entrance to Botany Bay, offers possibly the best view in Botany Bay National Park. From the unfenced cliff top, you can watch the power of the ocean as waves crash into the sandstone rock face below, or watch boats of all shapes and sizes, sail peacefully across the sheltered waters of the bay[46][47][48][49][50]. If you are lucky, you can enjoy the spectacle of migrating Humpback and Southern Right whales reasonably close to shore, spouting and sometimes breaching as they make their way northward and southward in pods of three or four. The shipwreck of the SS Minmi can be seen at low tide[52], lying on rocks on the western side of Cape Banks. There are concrete foundations of buildings remaining on Cape Banks, from when World War Two servicemen were stationed there.

Maps for the Cape Banks Walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-botanybnp-cbw
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_weather_danger.php?walkid=nsw-botanybnp-cbw
Forecast snapshot